The UAE survived a second-half scare to secure a 3-1 victory against Hong Kong in the Group C clash for the AFC Asian Cup.
The Emiratis struck first in the 34th minute, with Sultan Adil coolly converting a penalty to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, Hong Kong refused to be daunted. Just after the restart, Chan Siu Kwan pounced on a loose ball to equalise, injecting a jolt of excitement into the match.
Undeterred, the UAE pushed back with renewed vigour. Zayed Al Zaabi restored their lead with a precise strike, and late on, Yahya Al-Ghassani sealed the victory with another penalty, sending the UAE off to a winning start in their quest for Asian glory.


Messi suffers muscle strain, Miami reschedule preseason finale
Man City and Villa close gap on Arsenal, Liverpool edge Sunderland
Djokovic withdraws from Doha with fatigue
Rutherford and Motie shine as West Indies sink England
Australia begin T20 World Cup with win over Ireland
